The victim of a mystery blaze at a portable cabin on farmland in Caithness has been described as a “likeable lad”.
The man, named locally as John Mallin, had been living in the cramped 20ft by 10ft building at Lyth, near Wick.
Firefighters were called to the property on Wednesday morning and made the gruesome discovery of a man’s remains after extinguishing the flames.
Caithness Councillor Willie MacKay said he was saddened to hear of the tragedy.
Describing Mr Mallin, who is believed to have been aged in his 60s, Mr MacKay said: “He was a likeable lad who just kept himself to himself, a bit of a recluse. But he never bothered anyone
“He used to go shopping on his bike and on occasions I would pick him up quite a lot and gift him a lift to go shopping.
“He had previously lived in a caravan in the area, but I was not aware he had taken to living in the cabin.
“It is very sad and tragic, a terrible way to lose your life.”
Councillor Matthew Reiss added: “There is probably a sad story behind this. It is a very sad tragedy.”
Local resident Mick Patton, 64, said: “He was a quiet guy who didn’t bother anybody. He would stand at the gate at the end of the road and catch a lift into town. He used to use his bike and bring groceries back.”
Firefighters were called to the scene just before 9am on Wednesday. They quickly extinguished the blaze before discovering the body inside the cabin.
A Police Scotland spokesman said inquiries were still ongoing to formally identify the victim.
He added that a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was continuing in a bid to establish a cause for the fire.
